Board of Directors

2021-2022 Board of Directors

President

Adrian DeGraff

About Adrian DeGraff

Adrian DeGraffenreidt, President, maintains the current Federation website to ensure accuracy regarding events, news posts, and digital ads. Adrian ensures all Board Members are properly trained on he use of the website. In addition, he maintains the e-commerce aspect of the website to ensure event pricing is accurate for each program and event. Adrian supports other committee chairs by maintaining registration lists for upcoming programs and events. Adrian is the leading resource and advocate for the Federation that keeps our members connected.

1st VP/Membership

Sam Whisnant

About Sam Whisnant

Treasurer

Courtney Barbee

About Courtney Barbee

Courtney is owner and COO at The Bookkeeper, a Raleigh-based firm offering operational accounting and CFO consulting to organizations nationwide. She is now in her third decade of accounting, and lives in Raleigh with her husband and two sons.

Awards/Past President

Hugh Firebaugh

About Hugh Firebaugh

I’m a marketer with 20+ years of experience as a strategist, creative director, art director, and copywriter. I have been fortunate enough to work with a wide variety of brands across almost every sector from enterprise-level clients to small, exciting startups and heartfelt non-profits. I’ve been involved in B2B, B2C, and pretty much everything in between. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few accolades, but am more excited to see transformation occur in the brands I partner with.

I like to look at big picture ways to meet business objectives by combining a strong brand foundation with strategic thinking with creative ingenuity. My role as a generalist allows me to look at the entire spectrum of available tactics to create a cohesive plan and to effectively guide it through implementation. It’s having the knowledge and experience to know proven tactics but also the courage to pioneer new ideas.

I am passionate about telling my client’s stories in a way that helps them achieve their own unique vision, and I love helping them bring that vision to life.

I have been part of the AAF in both Louisville and Raleigh having roles at every level of involvement including programming chair, a 2-year term as president, and a year as state governor. I’m excited to helm the American Advertising Awards for 2021-2022 and look forward to an exciting year of growth.

Diversity

Unfilled Position

About Position

Interactive

Unfilled Position

About Position

Member at Large

John Moore

About John Moore

A passionate creative leader, John works to inspire his team and clients to push boundaries and connect with audiences in ways that generate action. He manages projects, people and client expectations with equal enthusiasm. From brand identity to integrated campaigns, John leads with a focus on translating business strategy into effective marketing communications. An award-winning art director and designer, with a desire to find innovative solutions, he has overseen creative campaigns for a diverse range of clients including Wrangler Jeans, Pendleton Whisky, Cordura Fabric, Kioti Tractors, Georgia-Pacific, Sappi Fine Paper and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

John is a native of Raleigh, NC and attended NC State University, where he received a degree in Verbal & Visual Communications. The son of an art teacher and an architect, John has had a love for art, design, photography and advertising, as far back as he can remember.

Communications

Julio Leon

About Julio C. Leon

Public Relations Chair

Julio C. Leon

About Julio C. Leon

Past Presidents

Tonya Cowan

Hugh Firebaugh

Mike Allen

Mike Cole

Bill Harper

Reid Byers

Scott Scaggs

Ed Roberts

Jessica Eure

Ben Schwaubauer

Amanda Longo

Amber Frasketi

Bill Cross

Blake Hardin

Bud Coggins

David McWhorter

Dawn Astorino

Donald H. Williams

Eva A. May

Frank K. Manson

Kathy Bennett

Kenn Buckner

Lisa Rondina

Mack Moore

Maria L. Montaño

Mark Holmes

Mark McMullen

Mike Allen

Mike McTaggart

Nancy Perry Johnson

Phil Winstead

Rachel Ervin

Robert Butler

Sheila Hale Ogle

Sue Toth

Susan Brami

Tim Allen

Interested in Joining?

Members of AAF have dedicated professionals who work, teach, and study in the field; and have a passion for advancing the advertising industry. As an active member, you’ll have access to AAF’s well-connected community that will help you boost your knowledge and advance your career. Plus, you can connect with advertising agencies and marketers in the Triangle through one of our professional chapters across North America.

Learn More

Get Involved

As the saying goes “It takes a village.” Join our village and help bring the region’s marketing and advertising community to life.

Learn More